Warisan defends power watchdog, says SESB duty-bound to deliver electricity

KOTA KINABALU: Responsibility, transparency and accountability are expected from Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) in its efforts to meet the energy needs of the state, says the Opposition Parti Warisan.

Defending their move to set up a "Warisan Watchdog" on the utility company amid criticism for politicising Sabah's electricity woes, watchdog chairman Justin Wong said that the Opposition had every right to pressure the utility company for better services.

"SESB chairman (Upko's Tuaran MP Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau) is politically appointed too, so the Opposition has the locus standi to continue demanding better services from SESB," Wong said in a statement Thursday (Jan 25).

The Warisan vice-president was responding to Sabah West Coast Smart Consumers Association president David Chan's statement that it is not fair for politicians to condemn SESB for everything but instead focus on working with the government to seek solutions.

Wong said a culture of responsibility, transparency and accountability should be instilled especially with the state government planning to take back SESB.

"SESB and other State agencies such as the state Water Department are unsympathetic when it comes to outstanding bills.

"They offer no discount or rebate whenever a blackout happens. So by the same token, the people and its representatives can demand better service and performance from SESB," he said.

He said there was general public concern over SESB's reliance on Independent Power Plants (IPP) as its shutdowns due to breakdowns or scheduled maintenance has affected consumers in the state.

"The recent shutdown of two IPPs is a manifestation that IPPs should not be continued but rather SESB should take control of the generation," he said, questioning why the state government allowed for a new IPP to be set up.

Wong said the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government should instead be pushing for renewable energy and speed up the construction of Ulu Padas hydroelectric project which will generate 187 MW to ease Sabah's electricity supply problems.